BT Broadband has slashed the 'trigger rates' for ADSL conversion at its exchanges.

This means that if a certain amount of people register their interest for the service, BT will activate the local exchange.

Until now, places like Combe Down and Pill had a long wait in store.

Both exchanges, thanks to the reduction in the trigger levels, are now on the verge of conversion.

Pill, which covers Avonmouth and Shirehampton, needs about another 100 registrations.

Combe Down, outside Bath, needs just another dozen.

According to BT, the lower trigger levels have come about because of a cost reduction at the company.

The news has been welcomed by a group in Combe Down who have been campaigning for ADSL in their area.

Giles White has been leading a campaign to get broadband in the south of Bath.

He told the BBC Bristol website that it had been a hard slog to get people to register.

"We had some good publicity in the local papers, and the web.

"We also had someone who made us a webpage on Monkton School's website to help get people in touch.

"And a guy here did a lot of footwork, and sent out over a thousand leaflets."

Also heading for the magic trigger threshold is Portishead, with about 100 registrations to go.